The temporary closure of the Dorena-Hickman Ferry due to Mississippi River floodwaters has been extended to about March 30.
The ferry has been closed since March 4, when floodwaters covered the Kentucky landing in Hickman Harbor.
The ferry is normally forced to close when the Cairo gauge reaches about 44 ft. The river had dropped to near where service could resume. However, the river is on the rise again to a crest of 48.5 ft., next week.
Based on the current forecast, the earliest the ferry could reopen is about March 30. That date could be pushed back if there is additional substantial rainfall in the Mississippi or Ohio River Valley.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry will provide timely notice when service is able to resume.
Motorists may check on the ferry’s operating status by calling (731) 693-0210 or by going to https://www.facebook.com/DorenaHickmanFerry/.
To get traffic advisories and alerts about the ferry’s operating status via email go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYTC/signup/13651 and click on the Dorena-Hickman Ferry Corridor Group. You may also sign up for counties in Kentucky you regularly drive through or on any of the other specialty corridors you travel. Be sure to check your SPAM filtering to assure Gov Delivery is on your approved list.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry connects KY 1354 at Hickman, Kentucky, with Missouri Route A and Route 77 near Dorena, Missouri.
In addition to providing a critical transportation link between Kentucky and Missouri for daily commuters and farmers, the ferry serves as a tourist attraction for the region and provides a convenient route between Southeast Missouri and the popular fishing and recreation areas around nearby Reelfoot Lake in Northwest Tennessee.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry Operates from the Hickman Landing with regular river crossings during daylight hours. Round trip passage for passenger vehicles is $14 with additional tolls for trucks, motor homes, and vehicles pulling trailers. There are discounts for vehicles making return crossings.
Missouri and Kentucky have the geographic distinction of being the only border states that are not directly connected by a road or bridge. The only direct route between the two states is the Dorena-Hickman Ferry.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry operates at Mississippi River navigation mile point 922.0.
